Cardinal Charles Maung Bo of Yangon has called for an “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire” in Myanmar to allow unimpeded humanitarian access following the country’s deadliest earthquake in decades.
“This humanitarian crisis calls for an urgent cessation of hostilities,” the prelate said in a statement issued on March 29.
“We urgently call for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire by all parties involved in the conflict to ensure the safe and unimpeded delivery of essential humanitarian aid by local and international supporters,” he said.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck northwest of Myanmar’s Sagaing region at 12:50 p.m. local time on March 28.
It was followed minutes later by a 6.7-magnitude aftershock and a series of smaller tremors. According to Myanmar’s military authorities, at least 1,644 people were killed and more than 3,400 others injured.
The toll is expected to rise as communications remain severely disrupted in affected areas.
Cardinal Bo, who is president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, said the disaster has “further exacerbated the profound multi-dimensional humanitarian crisis already gripping Myanmar, where, as per the UN estimate, nearly 20 million people, including 6.3 million children, are in dire need of assistance.”
He stressed the need to ensure the delivery of life-saving aid such as food, medical supplies, and shelter, especially in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach areas.
“The Catholic Church will mobilize support to assist with the life-saving needs of food, medicine, and shelter,” the cardinal said, reaffirming the Church’s commitment to stand in solidarity with those affected.
The earthquake caused extensive destruction across central Myanmar, with significant damage reported in Mandalay, Naypyidaw, and Sagaing.
The nearly 100-year-old Ava Bridge collapsed into the Irrawaddy River, while buildings, including hospitals and schools, were reduced to rubble.
Power outages and broken communication lines have hampered rescue and relief operations.
“We especially pray for those who perished in the places of worship in pagodas and mosques,” Cardinal Bo said.
The prelate also acknowledged receiving messages of solidarity from the Holy See, including expressions of support from Pope Francis, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, and Msgr. Andrea Ferrante, chargé d’affaires of the Vatican Embassy in Myanmar.
Myanmar’s military government has issued a rare appeal for international assistance, saying it has “opened all ways for foreign aid.” Relief efforts are underway, with support coming from neighboring countries and humanitarian agencies.
Cardinal Bo reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s commitment to support the people of Myanmar, offering condolences to families who lost loved ones in the disaster.
